Typhoon Odette damage to agri sector reaches P11.1B

The Department of Agriculture (DA) reported that the estimated damage to the agriculture sector caused by Typhoon Odette has risen to P11.1 billion.

The typhoon affected 389,316 farmers and fishers across 420,465 hectares of agricultural land, with a production loss of 252,956 metric tons.

Damages were reported in the Calabarzon, Mimaropa, Bicol, Western Visayas, Central Visayas, Eastern Visayas, Zamboanga Peninsula, Northern Mindanao, Davao, Soccsksargen, and Caraga regions.

Affected agricultural commodities include rice, corn, high-value crops, coconut, sugarcane, livestock, and fisheries, with additional damages to infrastructure and equipment.

The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources will provide six 20-foot fiberglass boats and two freezers to affected fisherfolk in Southern Leyte.

The DA will also provide P314 million worth of rice seed, P129 million worth of corn seed, and P57 million worth of assorted vegetables to affected farmers.

The Department of Social Welfare and Development has provided over P154 million in humanitarian assistance to affected families in the Visayas and Mindanao.